Essay Questions

What’s the meaning behind the title of the movie?

The title of the movie has several symbolic meanings. The most obvious meaning is the reference to the artist John James Audubon and his collection of paintings of various American birds. Furthermore, the title of the movie refers to the characters and the heist itself. This is symbolically shown with the transitions at the beginning of the movie, with paintings of predator birds merging with the faces of the main characters in the movie as they are preparing their disguise to rob the library.

What happens once Warren finally enters the room with rare paintings and what does it signify?

On the second try of the heist, Warren finally manages to get to enter the room with Audubon’s collection with only the fragile librarian guarding it. Prepared to use the taser, Warren chickens out, and calls Eric to enter the room as well, without hurting the librarian. Only when the other guy is in the room with him, is Warren able to use the taser and tie up the librarian. There is a sense of immediate regret on Warren’s face once he sees that it’s not like in the movies, and that he is, in fact, hurting another person. This scene signifies the immaturity and shows how the boys were not aware of the reality and consequences of what they were about to do.

What does it mean when Spencer looks out the car window on his way to the library, and sees his future self (the real Spencer) standing and watching him?

This scene in particular shows Spencer’s nature and his reluctance to the entire thing. An introverted artist, tired of failings in his life, tells his extroverted friend how he saw a million-dollars' worth of art in the local library, and that friend convinces him to steal and sell that art. Throughout the movie, Spencer points out that he never actually thought that they would go through with the robbery, and that it was only a fun fantasy to pass the time. But, once they are about to do it, the reality hits him and the regret for his future self is present in the image of himself on the side of the road.

Explore the theme of disillusionment in "American Animals." How do the characters' initial expectations and motivations evolve throughout the film, and what does this reveal about the film's underlying message?

Disillusionment is a central theme in "American Animals," as the characters' initial expectations of a thrilling heist adventure give way to the harsh reality of their criminal actions. Initially motivated by a desire for significance and intellectual exploration, they romanticize their criminal endeavor as a heroic act. However, as the heist unfolds and consequences become apparent, their motivations evolve. This evolution highlights the film's message that youthful idealism can lead to misguided choices and ultimately, disillusionment, illustrating the stark contrast between cinematic fantasies and the grim realities of criminal behavior.

Analyze the symbolism of the tree of knowledge in "American Animals." How does this symbol represent the characters' pursuit of enlightenment and the moral dilemmas they face?

The tree of knowledge, depicted in a painting in the film, symbolizes the characters' pursuit of intellectual growth and personal transformation. It represents their aspirations for something more meaningful in life. However, as they plot the heist, the symbol takes on a more ironic and complex meaning, signifying the uprooting of their moral compass and the destruction of their own ideals. The tree of knowledge, in this context, highlights the characters' struggle with ethical dilemmas and the high price they pay for their misguided pursuit of enlightenment through criminal means.

Discuss the significance of the film's non-linear narrative structure in "American Animals." How does it contribute to the audience's understanding of the character's motivations and the consequences of their actions?

The non-linear narrative structure in "American Animals" serves to create a sense of suspense and complexity in the storytelling. By weaving together interviews with real-life individuals and reenactments, the film challenges the audience's perception of truth and memory. This structure allows viewers to gain insights into the character's motivations and the consequences of their actions from multiple perspectives. It also reinforces the theme of blurred boundaries between fiction and reality, illustrating how the characters' accounts of the heist evolve over time and highlighting the unreliable nature of memory.

Examine the cultural and historical context of the early 2000s as portrayed in "American Animals." How does the film use this context to comment on the character's motivations and the impact of media on their actions?